General Care Guide

🏠 Habitat & Cage Requirements

  Enclosure Size:

• Baby (0–6 months): 40 gallon tank

• Juvenile (6–12 months): 75+ gallons

• Adult (1+ years): 75–120 gallons minimum (larger is better)

Tank Type:Use a glass or front-opening terrarium with a secure screen lid for ventilation.Avoid very tall tanks—bearded dragons prefer floor space for roaming and basking. 4x2x2 ft (120 gal) enclosure recommended . Since dragons grow at a fast rate, we recommend starting with the largest enclosure possible to keep from having to upgrade in the future.

•   Substrate (floor material):Best: Non-adhesive shelf liner,play sand, corn cob litter, or tile.Avoid: Loose substrates (walnut shells, wood chips) — these can cause impaction if ingested.

•   Decorations:Provide a basking rock/slate or log, a hide on the cool side, and branches for climbing.Add a shallow water dish (optional) for soaking and drinking.

• ☀️ Lighting & Temperature

Bearded dragons are diurnal reptiles — they need proper UVB light and heat to stay healthy.  

•   Lighting Setup:UVB Light:Use a 10.0–12.0 T5 HO UVB tube light that runs 2/3 of the tank’s length.Replace the bulb every 6–12 months, even if it still looks bright.Make sure there’s no glass or plastic between the bulb and dragon.Place 10–12 inches above basking area.

•   Basking Light:Use a heat bulb to create a hot basking spot.Basking spot temperature: 100–110°F (37–43°C)Cool side temperature: 75–85°F (24–29°C)

•   Nighttime: Allow drop to 70–75°F (21–24°C) — no light at night unless temps drop below 65°F.

•   Photoperiod: Provide 12–14 hours of light per day.

• 🥬 Feeding & Nutrition Diet:

  Ratio:Babies (0–6 months): ~70% insects, 30% greens , Juveniles (6–12 months):   50/50 mix , Adults (1+ years): ~70–80% vegetables, 20–30% insects

 Insects (Protein):Offer gut-loaded insects such as: Crickets, Dubia roaches, Black  soldier fly larvae

• Occasional treats: mealworms, superworms (for adults)Feed insects daily for juveniles, every 2–3 days for adults.Dust insects with calcium (without D3) 4–5 times a week, and with multivitamin (with D3) 1–2 times a week.

•   Vegetables & Greens:Offer daily.Good options: arugula,collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens, dandelion greens, squash, bell peppers, carrots (shredded), and other safe veggies.Avoid iceberg lettuce and spinach (low nutrition / high oxalates).

•   Fruits (Occasional Treats):Berries, apples, mango, papaya — small pieces once or twice a week.

•   Water: Keep a shallow water bowl in the tank(optional). Mist vegetables or offer occasional baths for hydration. Dragons do get a lot of their water content from their veggies, water bowls are optional. 

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           Bearded Dragon Facts:​

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Adult bearded dragons typically grow to be 16 to 24 inches long and can weigh from 250 to 700 grams. Males often reach the higher end of this size range, growing up to 24 inches, while females typically average 16–19 inches. A dragon's final size depends on its genetics, diet, and overall health, with some larger morphs potentially reaching over 25 inches. 

Average size by sex

• Males: 19–24 inches long and weighing 400–550 grams

• Females: 16–19 inches long and weighing 400–550 grams 

Factors that influence size

• Genetics: Some morphs, like the German Giant, are selectively bred to be larger than standard bearded dragons.

• Health and diet: A healthy, well-fed dragon will grow to its potential size, while one with poor care may be stunted.

• Age: A hatchling is about 2–3 inches long, and they continue to grow until they are considered adults, which is typically around 18 months old. 

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   How long do they live?

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Bearded dragons typically live for 8 to 12 years, though some can live up to 15 years or more with proper care, and the oldest on record lived to be 19+. Captive bearded dragons generally live longer than wild ones due to easier access to food, safety from predators, and veterinary care. 

• Average lifespan: 

  Most pet bearded dragons live for 8 to 12 years. 

• Maximum lifespan: 

  With excellent care, they can live to be 10, 12, or even 15 years old. The oldest recorded bearded dragon lived for nearly 19 years. 

• Wild vs. captive: 

  Wild bearded dragons have a shorter lifespan (4 to 10 years) due to predators, food scarcity, and extreme weather. Captive dragons have a longer lifespan thanks to consistent food, safe housing, and veterinary care. 

• Factors for longevity: 

  Proper care, including appropriate lighting, temperature gradients, and a balanced diet, is crucial for maximizing a bearded dragon's lifespan. 

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